Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
SpringerLink
Log in

XCOR, Developing the Next Generation Spaceplane

  • Book
  • © 2016

Overview

Authors:
  1. Erik Seedhouse

    1. Commercial Space Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, USA

    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

  • Provides insights into the needed support for developing XCOR's Lynx, including space training agencies such as NASTAR, and comparing XCOR's vehicle to the only other spaceplane being developed currently, called the DreamChaser, by Sierra Nevada
  • Chronicles the development of rocket propulsion, avionics, simulator and ground support required to realize the dream of flying passengers into space
  • Describes the multiple commercial uses of XCOR's vehicle Lynx, from tourism to industrial research
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Springer Praxis Books (PRAXIS)

Part of the book sub series: Space Exploration (SPACEE)

  • 5612 Accesses

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this book

Log in via an institution
eBook USD 29.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 37.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

Licence this eBook for your library

Institutional subscriptions

Table of contents (9 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxi
    Download chapter PDF

  2. XCOR: A Brief History

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 1-24

  3. Key Players

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 25-37

  4. Industry

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 39-52

  5. Next-Generation Spacecraft

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 53-73

  6. Spaceports

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 75-82

  7. Missions and Payload Integration

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 83-100

  8. Passenger Training and Certification

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 101-136

  9. STEM

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 137-147

  10. How to Fly

    • Erik Seedhouse
    Pages 149-169

  11. Back Matter

    Pages 171-213
    Download chapter PDF
Back to top

Keywords

About this book

Employing the same informational approach Erik Seedhouse used in "SpaceX" and "Bigelow Aerospace", this new book familiarizes space enthusiasts with the company XCOR Aerospace and examines the design of the two-seater Lynx. The new spaceplane's low weight and high octane fuel confer important advantages, such as direct runway launches and the ability to fly several times per day. Over the last 15 years, XCOR has developed and built 13 different rocket engines, built and flown two manned rocket-powered aircraft and has accumulated over 4,000 engine firings and nearly 500 minutes of run time on their engines. 


This book serves as a go-to reference guide for suborbital scientists and those seeking to learn how one company has found success. Additionally, it describes the medical and training requirements for those flying on board the Lynx and the related critical roles of the astronaut trainers and a newbreed of commercial space pilots. The end result is a thorough chronicle of the development of rocket propulsion, avionics, simulator and ground support operations being put into play by XCOR with the Lynx.

Reviews

“This book provides background and discusses the plans of XCOR and the Lynx spaceplane. … The book also covers secondary objectives, including other missions and payloads being developed for this system. … This work is recommended for high school or undergraduate educational programs, for general readers interested in the development of the commercial space industry, and for dreamers who see the human race migrating beyond low Earth orbit. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.” (D. B. Spencer, Choice, Vol. 54 (3), November, 2016)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Commercial Space Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, USA

    Erik Seedhouse

About the author

Seedhouse is a research scientist specializing in environmental life sciences and physiology, the subject in which he obtained his Ph.D. while working for the European Space Agency between 1996 and 1998. In 2009, he was one of the final candidates for selection as an astronaut in the CSA’s Astronaut Recruitment Campaign. He is a certified commercial suborbital astronaut who will fly a payload mission in 2015/2016. Between 2008-2013 he was Director of Canada's Manned Centrifuge and Hypobaric Chamber Operations. He is also the Training Director for Astronauts for Hire. He works as manned spaceflight consultant, triathlon coach, author and public speaker.

Bibliographic Information

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Back to top

Search

Navigation